What You Do Matters: A Message for Educators in Times of Transition

By Dr. Carrie Hepburn

Navigating Change with Strength and Purpose

Let’s be honest—this time of year can feel like controlled chaos.

Testing season is here. Schedules shift daily. There’s a rush to squeeze every last bit of knowledge into our students’ minds. Add to that the changes swirling around our districts: retirements, new hires, shifting leadership, colleagues leaving the profession, new babies, unexpected illnesses—and it’s a lot.

And all of this is happening against the backdrop of an ever-changing world. Our systems—political, educational, and economic—are shifting. That kind of uncertainty can wear anyone down. But here’s the truth: educators are some of the most resilient, grounded, and community-rooted people I know.

So today, I want to encourage you.

Public Schools Are the Heart of the Community

I love all schools—but there’s something special about public schools. They are where entire communities rally together, show up, and stand proud.

A nearby school’s girls’ basketball team made it to state—and the whole town showed up. Fire trucks, police cars, and a line of cheering neighbors made that parade unforgettable.

Last week, tornadoes hit Piedmont, Missouri. One of my closest friends, a curriculum leader, lost her home. However, the school district stepped up immediately to support families, organize resources, and help people start the rebuilding process. That’s the power of public schools. You are the center of the community, especially in the most challenging moments.

Educators Change Lives

I recently got a message from a former student. They shared something they remembered and appreciated from our time together. You’ve gotten messages like that, too. You may not hear them daily, but trust me—they’re out there.

Educators are among the most influential people in a student’s life. You boost confidence, build self-worth, and often help break cycles of poverty just by showing up and doing your job with heart and purpose.

Your Voice Matters—So Let’s Use It

Your impact reaches far beyond your classroom. It shapes communities and transforms lives. That’s why we need to get louder with stories of success, celebration, and resilience.

Here’s what we can control:

• The way we show up
• The tone and energy in our classrooms and buildings
• The words we speak and the stories we share

So here’s what I’m encouraging you to do:

• Take care of you. Keep your routines. Move your body. Laugh with your students. Play.
• Step away from social media sometimes. Seriously—it helps. Less anxiety, less stress. Things change fast anyway, so give yourself some space to breathe.
• If you do share on social media, share the good. Make joy go viral.
• Reach out to your legislators. I’ve sent three emails to mine in the last six weeks. No responses yet—but I’m not giving up. Each message included a potential solution to many of the problems we face in education. And I always asked, “Can I count on your support?”

Wrapping Up

In all this change, remember: you’re still growing. Learning. Trying new things. That’s powerful—and it’s fun. Bring that energy to your team. Let it ripple to your students.

At Compass PD, we see you. We appreciate you. Your work is shaping the future—and it matters deeply.

Thank you for being who you are and doing what you do.